The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Dallas Fort Worth chapter (CAIR-DFW) today welcomed the release of Ward Sakeik, a Palestinian woman detained by ICE as she was returning from her honeymoon with her husband.
Sakeik was released from the Prairieland Detention Center on Tuesday evening. A stateless Palestinian born in Saudi Arabia, she was detained by ICE in February despite a pending green-card application, a lawful marriage to a U.S. citizen, and a spotless compliance record for the past 15 years.
SEE: North Texas newlywed released from ICE detention after more than 140 days
In a statement, CAIR-DFW Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll said:
“Words cannot effectively express our sincere appreciation for the much-awaited release of Ms. Ward Sakeik from ICE detention that lasted over 120 days. We are extremely pleased that she is now able to rejoin her husband and continue building their life together. Many thanks to all who helped contribute in aiding her release.”
CAIR-DFW previously called for Sakeik’s release.
“While we welcome the release of Ward Sakeik, we call for the similar release of all those held unjustly, whether based on arbitrary detention or because of their political views,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.
He called for the immediate release of Mohamed Abushanab and Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian who had more than 100 of her family members slaughtered in Gaza and is held in Prairie Land Detention Center in Texas.
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CONTACT: CAIR-DFW Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, (832) 549-1042, mcarroll@cair.com and muspeaks@gmail.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com